Proximal Determinants of Falls Risk Among Independent-Living Older Adults

The purpose of this investigation was to determine associations among race, education, and income and falls risk scores from the Comprehensive Falls Risk Screening Instrument (CFRSI). Participants (N = 626) were Black (n = 318) and White (n = 308) older adults (M age = 72.62, SD = 9.31). The CFRSI assessed history, physical functioning, medication, vision, and home environment, and produced an average total falls risk score. A 3 (Income) x 3 (Education) x 2 (Race) MANCOVA showed main effects for income and race. Univariate tests revealed that low-income participants had greater scores for history, physical functioning, and total falls risk than high income participants. Similarly, Black participants had greater scores on history, physical functioning, medication, and total falls risk than White participants. Low income and Black race were associated with greater falls risk, and professionals should consider these disparities when designing community-based falls prevention programs.